Sippin' in Seersucker
Friday, May 9; 6 p.m.
The Shops at Canal Place, 333 Canal Street
Ogdenmuseum.org; $50
The word seersucker always brings to mind images of Colonel Sanders types and sweet little gray-haired ladies in long dresses drinking lemonade on front porch rocking chairs. But now you can also associate the term with a good cause. Come to Sippin' in Seersucker on Friday May 9 at the Shops at Canal Place-- an event designed to kick off the "summer social season" in seersucker style, while helping raise money for the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. Not only do you have the pleasure of donning your best bib and seersucker, but you can also score free cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, get great shopping bargains from the Shops at Canal Place, and enter in a raffle to win some good loot all in the name of art. They are even giving prizes for the best outfit, in what they refer to as a "seersucker ensemble contest" (not to be confused with a barbershop quartet sing-off). For those who aren't familiar with it, seersucker is that wrinkly, often striped or checked fabric so typical of classic southern fashion, since it is nice and breathable on a hot summer day. It was our predecessors' answer to today's fancy moisture-wicking sportswear. No seersucker in your wardrobe? No worries. The dress code allows for "summer chic," so show up in your favorite sundress or your coolest summer suit. Think Gone with the Wind, and dress to feel like a southern belle or a dapper southern gentleman for an evening, as you drink and dance the night away. Still not sure what to wear? Frankly, no one gives a damn as long as you show up…it's all for fun and art and raising money for a great cause. Before May 9, they are $25 for museum members and $40 for nonmembers. Day of event tickets go for $30 for museum members, and $50 for nonmembers. -Kathy Bradshaw.
Death of a Salesman
Friday, May 9 - 24; 3 pm and 8 pm
Le Petit Theatre, 616 St Peter St.
LePetitTheatre.com; $30
Arthur Miller's 1949 play Death of a Salesman follows the heartbreaking life of Willy Loman as he deals with the disappointments that come from the delusion of a true tragic hero. Assuming that being well-liked and attractive will grant him the things he wants in life, Loman spirals into mental illness unable to separate his dreams from his reality. The production will mark the beginning of Le Petit Theatre's educational program which will offer select daytime performances for high school students in addition to the regularly scheduled evening performances. Le Petit is one of the oldest community-based theater organizations and had performed in different venues for over fifty years before building the playhouse in the 60s. It is now one of the premier venues to see theater in the South. After going through a sizeable renovation in 2012 - 2013, the "little theater" now shares a space with the equally as reputable Tableau. This is the perfect set-up for a night on the town. Start the evening with a pre-theater Filet of Beef Bearnaise, a Just As Well cocktail, and then saunter over to the theater to see the production that reportedly caused Phillip Seymour Hoffman to relapse. Death of a Salesman was the recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and a Tony Award for Best Play. Since, it has won three Tony Awards for Best Play Revival. Here's lookin' at you, Loman. Cheers to the American Dream. - Lauren Adam
Gulport Music Festival
May 9-10
Gulfport, Mississippi
gulfportmusicfestival.com; $90 and up
The Gulfport Music Festival will be an event to check out this year. This gem of a music festival offers a weekend of great music from multiple different genres, affordable tickets prices, and a great venue. Taking place in Jones Park which received outstanding reviews as a music venue when the festival was moved there in 2012, the festival is sure to be a hit when you combine that with the talent attending this year. The talent this year includes Kid Rock, Sublime, Ludacris, Third Eye Blind, Hyphee and many more. If you thought the performers were outstanding you will love the ticket prices starting at $90 all the way up to V.I.P. passes for only $279. So if you are looking for a weekend getaway to start your summer off right whats better than great music on the Gulf Coast? - Kevin Laughlin
